(20-04-2018): The 6th round of Pakistan-Japan Security Dialogue (Politico-Military Dialogue) was held in Tokyo on 20 April, 2018. The Pakistan side was led by Mr. Imtiaz Ahmad, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific). The Japanese side was led by Mr. Shigeki Takizaki, Director General, Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan.

The Politico-Military Dialogue between Pakistan and Japan is an important forum for exchange of views on a broad range of security-related issues of mutual interest and is part of the various bilateral dialogue processes covering the whole range of political, economic and security issues.

During the dialogue, a comprehensive review of the bilateral security ties was undertaken by both sides.It was agreed that both sides enjoyed cordial relations, free from any historical baggage. There was, therefore, great potential for further enhancing the bilateral relationship in wide range of areas. The two sides exchanged views on the evolving security situation in their respective regions as well as multilateral security scenario. The Additional Secretary (AP) briefed the Japanese side on the comprehensive efforts Pakistan has made towards helping Afghanistan in furthering Afghan-owned and Afghan-led efforts for peace and stability. He also highlighted the deplorable human rights violations by the Indian Forces in the Indian Occupied Kashmir and the need for the international community to urge India to stop the atrocities and to engage with Pakistan to resolve the long outstanding Kashmir dispute. The Additional Secretary also briefed the Japanese side on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Earlier, on 19 April, as part of the Bilateral Security Dialogue the 9th round of Military-to-Military talks were also held. The Pakistani side was led by Rear Admiral Ovais Ahmad Bilgrami, Additional Secretary , Ministry of Defence Pakistan while the Japanese side was led by Mr. Osamu Izawa, Director General for International Affairs, Ministry of Defence Japan. The talks included review of security situation around Pakistan and Japan as well as defence policies of both countries. The matters related to promotion of defence cooperation and exchanges were also discussed. Both sides reiterated their commitment to enhance defence relations for the promotion of international peace and security.